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Forest of Dean District Council
Council Offices
High Street
Coleford
Glos
GL16 8HG

Tel: 01594 810000
council@fdean.gov.uk

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London Olympics

The olympic torch is coming

The London 2012 Olympics will take place this summer between July 27 and August 12, with the Paralympics running from 29 August to 9 September. This will be the first time since 1948 that the Olympic Games have been hosted in the UK, and only the third time ever.

The Olympic Torch is a key symbol of the Olympic Games, and the Torch Relay is a key element of the Olympic celebrations. This is in respect of the traditional symbolism it represents through its ability to ignite community interest and inspire future generations. The torch is lit at a special ceremony on Mount Olympus in Greece before being transported to the UK to start its journey across the length and breadth of the country.
 
The Olympic Torch Relay will commence on 19 May 2012 from Lands End to the Olympic Stadium and will pass through 470 local authority areas – including ours on Thursday 24 May.
 

The Torch Relay route

The relay takes two modes when travelling, the convoy mode which is when the torch is carried by vehicle between destinations, and in Torchbearer mode when it is carried by the bearer through the streets – the bit you’ll want to see!
 
On Thursday 24 May, on the sixth day of its journey, the Olympic Flame will come into our district from Gloucester along the A417. It will enter Hartpury at 9.20am and be carried through the village before getting to Staunton and Corse at 9.35am. The torch will then go on to Ledbury.
 
For safety reasons there will be a rolling roadblock on the A417 meaning traffic travelling both ways will be held up for some time - possibly for up to two hours- as the torch makes its way through the area. Full details of road closures and changes to bus services can be found at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/olympictorchrelay.
 
On Friday 25 May the Olympic Torch will arrive in Ross-on-Wye at around 10.10am and it will then get into Monmouth at 10.45am.
 
The Torch Relay is a live event so slight changes to times can be expected.
 
For information on the entire Torch Relay route please see the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) web page: www.london2012.com/olympic-torch-relay-map
 

Where to park

Local businesses are kindly allowing people going to the Torch Relay to park in their car parks.

Hartpury

Village Hall and on side roads

Royal Exchange, Hartpury (designated for disabled parking)

Staunton and Corse

Staunton Garden Centre

The field to the rear of the Swan Public House, Staunton

A field at Treona Nurseries, Staunton
 
Prince of Wales Public House car park (designated for disabled parking and Countryside Day Nursery)
 

Where to watch

The relay will be carried by a torchbearer in the following places:

Hartpury - along the A417 between Danford Lane and Fullers Lane turnings.

Staunton/Corse - along the A417 between the Corse and Staunton 40mph sign to Ledbury Road Crescent.

Outside the Royal Exchange, Hartpury and The Prince of Wales Public House, Corse, has been designated as a location for disabled people to watch the Torch Relay safely.

Outside of these areas the torch will be in convoy mode so will be travelling in a vehicle.

Keeping safe

If the weather is warm and sunny for the torch relay, it’s important to be sun aware and take sensible precautions.
  • If you can, find a place to watch in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm when the sun is at its hottest. Cover up with a wide brimmed hat, sun glasses and a t-shirt.
  • Take extra care of babies, children and teenagers. Young skin is more easily damaged. Keep babies in complete shade and provide shade for prams and buggies, if possible.
  • Use a sunscreen with at least SPF 15 – the higher the better- and apply it generously and regularly.
  • Most importantly, don’t burn. Sunburn is a sign that your skin has been damaged.
  • Remember to stay hydrated in hot weather. Drink cold drinks, like water or fruit juice regularly. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol.
  • The young and old are especially vulnerable to the affects of very hot weather. Symptoms of heat stroke can include headaches, dizziness, pale skin and vomiting. If you suspect someone may be experiencing symptoms, the advice is to move them to somewhere cool, loosen clothes and use a damp sheet or cloth to cool them down. If symptoms persist, seek medical advice.
  • If you’re planning to have a drink with friends and family to celebrate the torch relay, remember to drink responsibly. Drinking too much, too fast, and drinking to get drunk can put a serious strain on your body, and put your health and personal safety at risk. 

 

For more information see:

Leaflet for homes and businesses on the Torch Relay route

www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/olympictorchrelay